Tile machine



Nov. 18, 1930. B, R. SIMMONS 1,782,051l

TILE MACHINE Filed Jan. 26. 1929 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Ss Q l Nov. 18, 1930.B. R. slMMoNs TILE MACHINE Filed Jan. 26. 1929 5 Shets-She'et 2LLI/[enter Y Bud Rus/'11mm nS j -j/ MM B. R. slMMoNs 1,782,051

TILE MACHINE No'v. 18, 1930.

Filed Jan. 26, 1929 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Nov. 1s, 1930. B. R. smMaNs1,782,051

TILE MACHINE Filed Jan. 12e, 1929 s sheets-sheet 4 /zef u /22Zita/enfer" Nov. 18, 1930.

B. R. SIMMONS TILE MACHINE Filed Jan. 26, 1929 5 SietS-Sheet 5 PatentedNov. 18, 17930 y BURT It. SIMMONS, or;y PALMs, CALIFORNIA TILE MACHINEApplicationled January 26, 1929. Seria1-N0.1335,21.

rlhis inveiitionrelates to ceramic industries, and more particularly7 toa machine useful in the manufacture of tile. y

VAn object of the'invcntion is the provision 5 ot' a machine capable ofreceiving a predetermined amount of plastic 'tile-forming material fromthe pug mill, shaping the material either partially or completely tothedesired configuration, .and depositing the 'material upon a tray adaptedto hold the material during the drying and baking process.

A more detailed object is the provision of a tile-forming machine asdescribed, in which the receiving means or pallet is'kot' such con- -55figuration that the plastic material deposited thereon is so shapedthereby that the ultimate tile after baking, may be employed as arooftile, its conguration beiiigfsubstantially that Q of a hollenrsemiecylinder slightly larger 9 one endthan at'the other. l This type ottile is commonly known as a pantile, and Vis the type used by the earlymissionaries of Cali ornia. 1

vfor accurately' positioning and retaining the severing means so as toavoid interference with subsequent depositing of plastic niaterial uponthe pallet.k

t is a further object ofthe invention to qe provide means. for rapidlysevering alprede tcrniined length of the plastic tileorming materialwhich issues from the puginill, in

the forni oi.a-'i'ibboii, and Areceiving this severed portion upon thepallet. I n

,A further object is vthe provision of .a tile forming machine adaptedto'rece'ive'a predetermined length of ktile-forming material upon apallet as described, and3 .then to tra-ns m port inc severed length fromthat position in placing the resultant green tile upon a tray, afterwhich thetray is discharged from the machine and an emptytraysubstituted there- M tor, all of these operations being carried outautomatically by the machine itself. l

A further object is the provision of a tileorming machine as described,in which the tileorming pallet is removable and interm changeable so asto form pantiles of different dimensions. Furthermore, the meansforadgpallet'being employed.

mechanism.

A further object is the provision of means position, this meansconstituting fhovvever7 a which it deposited upon the pallet, andVvancing the trays, arecapable of being so Va-djusted as to yaccommodatetraysofthe proper dimensions to coincide with 4the particular Afurtheriobj ect is the provision of means 55 for trimming the side edgesof the Agreen tile as the .pallet transports it from receivingiposition.y Y f a Stillfanother object' is the provisionfof means for anchoringthe plastic green tile to .60.

tliepalle t to `prevent displacement thereof` by' the trimming meansas., ,the pallet moves A still'further-,object is theprovision of Yterial has been deposited thereon, and thenvr .automatically severing itfrom therema'inder ofthe ribbon and starting the transr'iorting` ASaiifurther Object is ulpovisioncf means for moving the pallet and thegreenl tile cariied.thereby,`slowly from receiving quick returnmechanism .adapted to move'the pallet more rapidly uponA itslreturnstroke.

' A- further object is the provision of altileforming machine comprisingagreen tile receiviiigpallet slidably mounted iupon a track,

and this track being adapted for vertical U a moven'icnt.l f Themechanism of the `machine is such thatater'the material has beenreceived upon the pallet, the pallet-is slid longitudinallyof the trackuntilit is vpositioned over a. tray, whereupon thetraok `moves ver#tical'ly downwards :to deposit the tile upon Lthe tray and pernlit .thepallet to move on therethrough, a-l'tervivhicli the .pallet slides in areverse direction and the track -riscs Ito dispose the pallet in initialposition.

A turtliciiobject is-the lii'ovi-sionotinecha-l nism for dropping thetrack relatively rap- Vidly so that the -tilejvivil'l not be' 4'slidonto the tray but. dropped vertically thereupon, `thus avoiding the`tendency t'o produce a tile-With rough, yuneven edges.

A still VVfurther obj-ect isthe-provision of a tile-forming machine'ofthe general character described, which, Lz t-lthough fitr is capable ofoperating eiiic-iently 4to out the inanifold objects of the invention,it is composed of a relatively few parts, each of which is of a simplenature, and which may bel assembled into a complete mechanism with aVminimum ot' labor and expenditure ol time, to produce a machine capableoit automatically carrying out the tile-forming process in its entirety.

rThe invention possessesother objects and advantageous features, some oiwhiclnvwith those enumerated, will be sety iioijtli'in the `tollowingdescription of the inventions particrr lar embodiment which'is`illustrated-in the drawings accompanying and forming a partot thespecification. l

Referring to the drawings: Figure l is a top planv view V,ot a machineincorporating the principles of my invention. Fig-2 is a rearelevation,the direction of view being indicated by the arrow 2 of F ig..1. is alside elevation, the' direction ol:l view being indicated bythe arrow 3of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a compound, vertical Ysectional view of the cuttingmechanism, the pallet'and the quick return mechanism associatedtherewith; The planes of section. are indicated by the lines 4--4 ofFig.1and the direction of view by the arrows. i

Fig. 5 is a rear elevation ofk the'cutting mechanism, the direction ofview being indicated by the arrows 5 ot Figs. 1 and 4.

Fig. 6 is an'ienlar'ged detail view in verticalV section, ofthe meanstorvlockin'g the cuttingvmeans stationary. The plane of section isindicated by the line 66 oit Fig- 5, and the direction of View bythearrows. Y Y Fig. 7 is an enlarged detail/view in vertical section, ot'the pallet and the lcarriage on lwhich it is mounted. The plane otsectionis -the line 9 9 of'iFig. 3, with the direction of view asindicated.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged detailsectional view taken upon thecurved planeindicated by the line 10-10 or" Fig. 5, with the direction ol- View asindicated. Y 1

Fig. 11 is ai wiring diagram sli-owing the electrical connectionsbetween the various electrically operated portions ot the machine.

Specilically describing the inventions most practical form of whichl amat present aware, the operative parts ot the mechanism are mount-ed uponVa suitable frameworkV .11 composed of front and rear posts 12 and 13respectively, rising from` suitable sills`14. The posts 12 and 13support a bed 16, and upper and lower side rails 1T and 1SV respecively,adjacent one sideoi' the. traine 11.

VThe side rail 18 carries a bracket ladjacent each end thereof, and acrank 21 is journalled for rotary movement in each bracket 19. Mountedupon the crank pin 22 of each Vof thel cranks 21, is a connecting rod23,`the

Ament, butis permitted vertical translatory movement, this verticalmovement being determined by theV cranks 21. y Y v A carriage 31 isslidably mounted upon the track 26 in any suitable manner as by webs 32rigid withthe under sidethereof. A pal- 'let'33V is removably andinterchangeably secured to the carriage 31 as by screws 34 eX- tendingthrough the pallet 33, through distance pieces 36, and threaded into thecarriage 31. Preferably the rpallet 33 has substantially the.configuration of a hollow semi-cylinder tapering toward the after endthereof. The carriage 31 may be fabricated either with parallel walls,or it also may be slightlytapei-ing, the proper positioning of theselected pallet 33 depending upon the distance pieces 36 beingsuitablyproportioned. It is toy be understood that by providing a plurality of`pallets 33 of diilerent size, any selected one of whichinay be rigidlyattached to the carriage i' 3,1, pantiles ot various dimensions may `beformed by the mechanism.`

.l quick'return mechanism indicated in its entirety at 37, is employedfor reciprocating the carriage 31 and with it the selected pallet 33,back and forth upon the track 26. This quick `return mechanism 3'?comprises a beam 38Vhaving a lonvitudinally extendingslot 39 therein andjournalled for rocking movement upon' a bracket 41 rigid with one ormore of the sills 14. The beamv 38 may conveniently be formed o't'anglev irons rigidly attached "in spaced relationship to provide theslot 39. ,'l ie upper ond 42 of the beanr-ES, is connected by a link 43.to a wrist pin 44 rigid with the under side of the arri-ige 31, it beingunderstood that Athe link 43 is also pivotcd to the upper endv 42 ot thebeam 38,r as by a pin 46.

A slipper 47 is slidablymounted within thel slot 39, and has journalledtherein a' pin 48 darriod by a crank 49. The pin 48 is eccentricallydisposed in respect to the shaft 5l with which the crank 49 is rigid;and a gear 52, also rigid with the shaft 51, is adapted to effectArotation of the crank 49 because it is connected' to a. motor 53through reduction lgears 54 and. 56. A clutch57 is interposed betweenthe motor 53and the gear 56, and

Ythisiclntch 57 isy adapted to be thrown out 'or disengaged when theouter end of va lever `58 is f'raised; this .leverbeino' nvoted as at 1Y D lill) lever 58, to eiiiect raising thereoi3 when the solenoid G4 isenergized. In other words', energization ot the solenoid 64 results inVreleasing the clutch 54, and stopping reciprocation ot the'beam 38. f

rlhe mot-or 53 is to be arranged that when it is energized and theclutch 57 isl engaged, the gear 'will rotate in a clockwise directionwhen viewed as upon Fig. 3. lt is obvious then` that this rotation ofthe gearV 52, and with it the crank 49, will cause the beam 38 torockback'and forth about its pivot 6G which is liournalled in thebrackets 4l, because or" the engagement of the crank pin 48 with theslipper 47, which is thus canse-v toreciprocate longitudinally inrespect to the beam 38. Furthermore, 'the movement of the beam 38 towardthe rear of the machine,`will be much slower than its movement towardthe front, because ot the crank pin 48 when the crank 49 is moved towardthe rear of the machine, than when the crank 49 is moved toward thefront ofV the lith the quick return mechanism 37 as de! scribed, I havefound it altogether practical to operate the machine at such a speedthat it completes 'fronrfitteenfto eighteen cycles perl minute :jan dVit can be readily 'appreciated then, how such a machine will expeditethe process ot 'forming pantiles.

Means are provided for moving thctrack 26 and with it the carriage3l's-nidpallet 33, down yarde when the pallet 33 is adjacent the afterportion of its stroke, and Amoving the parts upwards againv` when thepallet is adjacent the forward end ot itsstroke. Each of the cranks 2lhas :i pinion 7l rigid therewith; ande-ach pinion 7l is engaged by arack these racks being upon opposite ends of a slide bar 73 which isslidably mounted upon a lower side bar'l8. A detent 74 is pivoted as at76, to ariid portion of the frame ll, and comprisesan extended finger 77and a pawl 78 ot such configuration that it 'falls by gravity betweentwo of the teeth of the after rack 72, and retains the slide bar 73against rearward movement but permits the slide bar 73 to' moveforwards. A releasing bolt, 81` is slidably mounted within a bracket .82carried by the slidebar 73, and has a coil spring 83 under compressionbetween the head 84 "of the releasing bolt 8l andthe bracket 82. Theafter end of the bolt 8l is of such comiguration that when it is slidreal-wards, it will engage the' finger 77 of the detent 74, and'lii'tthe pawl 78 froml engagement with'the associated rack 72.` Ablock 86carried by the beam 38 is adapted to en- ,y gage the head 8.4 ot theyrelease 81 as the beam 38 movestoward its rear eXtreme oiimovement. itsrearward movement oi the beam 38 continues, thespring 83 will becompressed and the release 8l will be moved toward the linger 77 .of thedetent74 until the detent is `moved `lrom locking position as.described,

whereupon the force exerted by the spring 83 against the block 86,wi-llmove the slide bar 73 Vrearwards, resulting inrrotating thel Theparts are so proportioned and arranged that theA pinions `Will be thusrotated through 1800, Veilecting lowering oli'. the track 26a distanceequal toftwicethe pinions 7l.

throw vonf 'the cranks 21.4 It is obvious then, that the mechanism maybeso'regulated that the lowering of the track will bedeferred greaterdistance from the pivot G6 to the until the pallet 33 has almost reachedits after extreme of movement, and'then the pallet 33 will be verysuddenlyfand rapidly dropped, with the result that its downward movementis substantially vertical. 'As the beam V38-ap preaches its forwardextreme of movement, it Y 'i will engage a pin 87 rigidwith the slidebar` 73, and return the slide bar to initial position, and consequentlyefectraising the track 26 to its uppermostposition. Y Y p Means areprovided for severing a predetermined length of the ribbon of greentileT forming material therefrom, after that length has been depositedupon the pallet 33. v llt is to be understood that the machine of thepresent inventionis to be set up adjacent a pug mill, indicated at 89upon Fig. 3, with the front side of the machine toward the mill, and

" with the track 2Gin alignment with the out-V let 90 therefrom, so thatas the ribbon oi plastic material issues from the pug mill,its end willbe deposit-ed upon the'pallet 33. o

A cutting wheel 91 composed olE a rim 92 and a plurality oit preferablywire spokes 93 radiating rom a hub' 94, is journalled'in such positionupon the traine ll that Vas the ribbon olf green tilel material issuesfrom the pug lmill onto the pallet 33` it passes between two of thespokes 93 inst inside the rim 92 of the wheel 91. An arm 96 is mountedfor rotary movement about an axis 97 in lalignment'with that about whichthe wheel l' is adapted to rotate, This arm 96 carries at its outer end,a portion`98 conforming to and in engagement withA the rim 92, beyondwhich an extension 99 projects. The rim 92 is preferably formed of angleiron sol as to present a,A flange lOl extending outwards if: o

theretrom throughout its entire circmnference, and a shoe 102 can-:iedbythe portion 98 of the arm 96, engagesthe inside of Vthe flange 101. Aplurality of spaced ratchet teeth 103 are Jformed on the shoe. 102, toengage within holes 104, groups of which are disposed in theIliange-lOlf throughout the extent. ot the rim 92. A spring 106 isinterposed between the portion 98 of the arm 96 andthe flange 101 or"the rim 92, urging the shoe 102 in that direction which will cause theratchet teeth 103 to `engage within the holes 104 of one of the groups.A spring 107 is under tension between the arm 96 and a portion 108 ofthe `frame 11, urging the arm 96 into rotary movement and thus alsourging the whe-e191 into rotary movement through tlieengagement of the'Yarm 96 therewith byl means of theratchet teetlr103. However, ther-wheel91 is normally held against movement by another series of 'teeth 111carried byaflocking linger 112 which also is pivotedas at 113 to aportion 114 of the trame 11. A spring 116 urges the lockinv linger 112to reieasincposition but a wedge 117 carried by a rod118, normallypresses the locking linger 112 into that position in which its teeth 111will engage .the holes 104 of another group. The upper end of the rod118 is pivoted as at 119 to a lever 121 betweenthe pins 122 and 123respectively, which connect the lever 121 to an extension 124 of theframe 11`and to the armature 126 of a solenoid 127. The lparts are soarranged that the weight of the armature 126, lever 121, and rod 118 aresueient to overcome the force ofthe'spring 116 and force the lockinglinger 112 to locking position; but when the solenoid 127 is energized,

`the wedge 117 will be withdrawn, permittin the spring 116 to move thelocking finger 112V to releasing position, a whereupon the spring 107will rapidly pull the arm 96 downwards,-rotating the wheel 91 a distancesuii'icient to pass one of the spokes 93 through,

the ribbon oi plastic material which exten-ds through. the wheel 91 ontothe pallet 33.

1t desirable furthermore, to provide means for stoppingthe wheel 91against further rotation after it has moved through an arc equal to thedistance between two of the spokes 93. Consequently, a switch 131composed ot contacts and 133, is mounted in such position that thecontact 132 isadapted to be engagedby alinger 134 earriedby the arm 96,and pressed to switch-closing position when the arm 96 is in fullywithdrawn or raised position, as indicated upon Fig. 5. Any suitablemeans may be employed for normally retaining the switch contacts 132 and133 separated-tor example, the convtacts themselves. may be composed ofresilient material such as spring brass, and so ar-' ranged that thecontacts are separated except when engaged by the finger 134. Y

Reference to Fig. 11 will 'disclose'that the switch 131 is connected inseries with the solenoid 127, by a VAconductor 136, which will eX-'vplain vthat instantly the arm 96 has started its downward movement,the solenoid 127 will be de-energized because the finger 134 is .137,each ot which is ournalled upon va brack- .et 138 carried bv anextension 139 of the frame 11. One o'rmore of the brackets 138,

is pivotally mounted upon the extension v139 of the trame, so that itsroller 137 may be resiliently'pressed.as by a spring 140, .into

rim engaging position, the purpose being t0 con'ipensateY for anydeviations from true,

circular contigui-ation which may be rpresent 1n the rim 92.

A bell crank 141 is mounted for rota-ry movementabout an axis 142 withina brack- .'r

et 143 rigid with one of the posts 12 of the frame 11. One end of thebell crank 141 isi y connected by a link 144 to the beam 38, and theother end ofthe bell crank 1411s connected by links 146 to a slipper147, which is slidably mounted upon a vertically disposed guide vrod 148rigid with the frame 11 and disposed adjacent the extension 99 of thearm 96. The bell crank 141 and it-s associated `links are so arrangedthat they will eiect vertical reciprocation of the slipper 147 and upperend of the link 146 as the beam 38 reciprocates about its pivot 66.Consequently, each time the beam 38 moves toward the rear of themachine, the upper end of the link 146 will move upwards so that aroller 149 journalled thereupon, will engage the under side oli' theextension 99 and push the arm 961mwards to retracted position againsttheaction of the spring107. It is to be understood that the ratchetteeth 103 on the shoe 102, are so shaped that they will be released fromtheir engagement in the holes 104 in the tlange 101 ot the wheel 91,when the arm 96 starts its reverse movement in respect to the wheel 91,but will engage in the next group of holes l104 when moving `forwards inrespect to the wheel 91.

rlVhen the track 26 and with it the pallet 33, are dropped ashereinabove described, they are adapted to pass through a' tray 156shaped to permit the pallet 33 to pass downwards therethrough but toengage the edges of the green tile and retain the tile asthe palletpasses out fromunder it. ,Eachl tray 156.V The parts are so proportionedand ar-` endof the tray 156. A plurality of trays 156, Y

is receivable within a guideway composed of rails 161 spaced a distanceto receive the trays endwise therebetween, these rails composing the bed16. Reciprocably mounted upon the frame 11 ata slightlylower elevationthan the bed 16, is a framework 162 provided with a plurality of dogsA1.63 spaced a distance equal to theoverall width of one of the traysranged that the framework 162 is adaptedto move all thertrays 156supported Yupon 'the bed 16, toward the leftV as viewed uponFig. 1, butto release the trays, as tlie'framework 162 moves backward. Furthermore,each of the horizontal ybars 159 is provided with a notchA 166withinwhich a dog` 167 is adapted to seat when the associated-tray 156has been moved to receiving position. The dog 167 is pivoted lupon anextension 168 of the .frame 11, and is pressedby a spring 169 to trayengaging position to `'resiliently retainv the tray in proper yalignmentwith the pallet 33. A lever 171 rigid with the beam 38,h`as pivoted toits `outer end a link`17 2, which, in turn, vis adjustably pivoted to`a: bell'..crank 173. The bellcrank 173 is journalled for rotary movementaboutan axis 174. within' brackets 17 6,'and is operatively connected bya link 177' to the framework'162. 1t is .obvious therefore, that asthebeam 38 recipro- .cates about its pivot 66, the framework 162 will besynchronously reciprocated in sliding movement, and that each time theframework 162 nieves toward the left end of the machine, it willrcarrythe trays 1 56 toward receiving position, and that each time thefrainmvork 1621noves backwards, .the trays 156 will be released by thedogs 1.63 sothat they are not also slid backwards. Y,

A slot 178 is provided in the bell ,crank 173, and the link 172 isconnected to the bellcrank173 byV means of a pin 17 adapted to beconnected thereto at any point intermediate :the ends vof the slot 178,with the resulttliat the stroke of the framework 172 may be varied byproperly positioning the pin 17.9 within the slot 178, and then ,lockingthe parts as arranged. This feature is to make possible theaccommodation ofV trays 156 of different dimensions 'when the pallet 3,3is.

changed for` another one of a different size, so Vthat the trays will beproperly fedto receiving position. p y

The carriage 31 is provided with an arm 181 extending laterallytherefrom and carryingat its outer end apusher plate`182. The

arm 181 extends through a slot 183,in a plate 184 disposed j'nst beyondthe track 26 so that after atray hasr had tile iinpos'edthereupon,

the next advancing stroke" of the framework f Y 162 will push theilledtra'y from receiving position, ontofthe plate'184e. The subsequentstroke ofthe pallet to deposit the next tile upon a tray 156,'willca-u's'jethe pusher plate 182 to engage the filled tray and push it fromthe plate 184 onto any suitable conveyor adapted to transport the filledtray to the drying racks. y f j -A suitable switch-bor; 186 controlledby an operating handle 187, may be positioned at any suitable locationupon the machine to control the supply ocurrent to the motor 53and theother electrical devicosiorming constituent parts of the machine, sothat the niachine may be started and stopped at the will of theoperatcr,simply 'by throwing the handie 187 to the desired position, it being'under stood that av main switch 188 vis contained withinV theswitch-boi; 186.

,An arm 191 rigid with theffrainell, rektends in such position that' itis disposed vover the after end of thepail'et 33 when thepallet is inreceiving positie-n. A pivotalinonnting v192 is carried at the forwardend of the arm 19 1,..toretain a' dcub le switch 193)y This switch 193consists of a base 191carrying la contact 196and alsoa resilient switcharm 197 and a rigid switch arm 198 respect iyely, suitably insulatedtroni each other. The naturalresiliencej of the material ofi which theswitch arm 197 iscomposed, normally keeps acontact 199 carried by theswitch arm 197, separatedV from the contact 196. However,y the contact199'eiitends through-the switch arm 197 so thatit is normally inengagement with the contact .,201 carried by the switch with thecontaet'201. lxhis switch 211 coin-v prises contacts 212 and 213 carriedby switch arnis214 and 216 respectively, which are norin ally heldseparated but which are adapted to be brought together when apreferably. l

fibre block 217 which is rigid with' the Vgear 5;2'and so disposedthereon thatfit is adapted tolenga'ge the switch arm 216 and bring thecontacts 213and 212 intol'electrical engage-v ment Awhen the quickreturninechanism 37 has y returned thepallet 'l 15j-One i l i i A Theelectrical connections ofthe mecha'- nisin are as follows: i

ieo

-33 to receiving posi- 195 l arm 198. y The switch 193 also carries apusherl K 115 Another switch 211 is connected in series The main switch188 is interposed in preferably both leads 221,',and 222 ofany suitablesource ofelectrieal energy. Conductors 223v and 224 lead from theswitch'188tothe motor 53, so that the motor is constantly energized longas the main Vswitch 188 is closed. Fromthe conductor 224, a conductorv226 leads to the switch contact 199 so that this Contact also isconstantly energized as long as 4the main switch 188 is closed. Theswitch contact 196 is connected by a conductor "227 to the switch arm133, and the switch arm 132 connected by the conductor 136 to thesolenoid 127 as previously described; and from the solenoid 127, aconductor 228 leads back to the other main conductor 223, completing thecircuit of the vsolenoid 127. The

switch Contact 201 is connected'by aconduc-l tor 231 to the Contact 212,and the contact 213 is connected by a conductor 232 to the solenoid 64,which, in turn is connected by a conductor 233 back to the mainconductor 223, completing the circuit of the solenoid 64. v

Means for trimming the lateral edges of the green tile, areprovided,`and are. most clearly shown upon Figs. 7, 8, and 9. It is tobe understood that the ribbon of green tile-forming material is ofconstant width. Consequently, when it is superimposed upon the pallet 33which, as'previously described, is smaller at one end than` at theother, the edges of the green tile will depend further below the edgesof thepallet Vat the smaller end ofthe palletthan at thelarger end.Consequently, I have provided a pair of trimmingsuitable bracket 242rigid with the frame 11,

and is so disposed that asthe pallet 33 moves rearwards on the track 26,the lateral edges of the pallet 33 will either actually scrape againstthe wires 241 o-r pass very close thereto, so that any plastic materialVdepending beyond the edges of the pallet 33, will be trimmed therefrom.Any suitable receptacle may be provided to receive the trimmings andconvey them from the device.

Means are further provided for preventing longitudinal displacement ofthe' ribbonfof material from the pallet 33 as this trimming actionproceeds. The carriage 31 is provided with a'bolt 246 extending rigidlyupwards therefrom adjacent the forward end thereof. A plate 247 havingan elongated slot 248 through which the bolt 246 loosely extends, isslidably mounted upon the top of the carriage 31. The` head 249 of thebolt 246, is spaced above the top ofthe plate 247 when the plate islying flat upon the carriage, so that the plate 247 is permitted acertain degree of pivotal movement about its forward edge 251, as wellas sliding movement. A leaf spring 252 secured to the carriage 31 as byrivets 253, presses downward against the after portion of the plate 247to normally retain the plate 247 fiat upon the carriage 31; and a coilspring254 under tension between the forward Vforward from its lower andouter end, a forwardly extending arm'261. These forward- 9 lyr extendingarms 261 are of such length that `their forward ends support atransverse bar 262 extending across the forward end ofthe carriage 31 asclearly shown upon Fig. 8.` A pusher plate 263 issupported by bracketsy264 rigid with the transverse bar 262, theparts l being so proportionedand arranged kthat when the plate 247 is'in normal position, the pusherplate 263 extends above and closely adjacent the `forward'end ofthepallet 33, the purpose beingl for it to engage the forward end of thegreen tile after it has been severed from the ribbon of tile-formingmaterial. However, a pair of pins 266 are provided, each beingrigidlysupported by a' bracket267. rigid with the Vtrack r26. .Thetransverse bar 262 carries a pair of fingers 268 engageable with th-epins 266 as the carriage 31 approaches its forwardextreme of movement.Each of the fingers 268 includes av sloping portion 269 and averticalportion 271, and are sol proportioned that the sloping portion269 willengage its associated pin 266 just before completion of forwardmovement of the carriage 31, so that as the carriage completes thisforward movement, the p usher plate 263 will be pulled downwards farenough for its upper end to clear the under side of the pallet 33,whereupon the vertical portion 271 of each of the lingers 268 willengage itsassociated pin 266, whereupon continued forward movement ofthe carriage 31 will result in slidingrthe plate 247 upon the surface ofthe carriage carrying the pusher plate completely over the pallet 33.Thepurpose of this arrangement is to permit the eutting wires or spokesof the cutting wheel 91, to pass very close to the end of the pallet 33in performing their cutting operation, so that the material may be cutwithout d eforming the end of the tile, y

VThe method of operation of tile-forming machine of the presentinvention is substantially as follows:

The motor 53 is first started by closing the main switch 188. Considerthe mechanism as being in initial position, i. e., with the pallet 33 inits extreme forward and lupward position, at which time the fibre bloclr217 carried by the gear 52, will be holding the switch Cil , solenoid64`will result in disconnecting the clutch 57, so that-the pallet 33` isheld moti-onless until the desired length 'ot tile-forming material hasbeen'deposited from the pug mill upon the pallet 33. l/Vhen the end otthe ribbon ot tile materialpengages and raises the plate 202, the headl206 ot the pin 204,`

will litt the switch contact 197, breaking electrical connection'betweenthe contacts 199 and 201, and establishing electrical connectionrbetweenthe contacts L196 and 199. The

completion ot the circuittl'n'ough the contact 196 and 199, will resultin the energization of the solenoid 127, since the switch 131 is beingheld closed bythefinger 134 of the arm 96. As previously explained, thisenergization of the solenoid 127 will permit the spring 16 to remove thelocking inger112to releasing position, whereupon the spring 107 willpull the arm 96 downwardwith a considerable degree ot velocity, turningthe cutting wheel 91 witlrit so 'that one of the .spokes 93 severs thetile material which has been deposited upon` the pallet 33,` from theremainder orp the ribbon issuing from the pug mill. As the arm 96 leavesits uppermost position, the'inger 134 is removed from the switch 131,sothat it is permitted to open, cleenergizing the solenoid 127 almostimmediately after it has been energized. As,

a result, the wedge 117 will drop, 'urging'the locking `finger 112 tolocking position so that its teeth 111 will drop into the next group ofholes 104 whenthe cutting operation has been completed, and hold the'wheel 91 accurately for the subsequent passage of more of the ribbonbetween another two of its spoke.

The separationotl the contacts 199 and 201 will result in thede-energization of the solenoid 64, permitting its armature 63to dropsoA that the clutch 57 is` engaged, whereupon the motor 53 will eti'ectrotation ot the gears 56, 54, and 52, starting the quick returnmechanism 37 into operation. This will re sult in moving the carriage 31and pallet 33 toward the rear of the machine, i. e., toward one of thetrays 156 which hasbeen properly positioned in alignment therewith.ABefore the large end ot the pallet 33 clears the switch 193, the block'217 carried by the gear 52, will have passed out of engagement with theswitch contact 216,` so that the switch 211 will be thrown open beiiorethe contact 199 is permitted to again engage the contact 201, thepurpose being to prevent energization of the solenoid 64 'untilthejmachine has completed a cycle. n l

As previously described, the block 36 cari ried`by`the beam 33,will'engage the YheadS-lot the release 81 asthebeam 38 moves'tothroughthe open end of the aligned tray 156 to positiorithe green tilesupported there-` 'by, directly over .the tray.Y Then, the release 31will eil`ectwithdrawal'of the pawl 73 from the rack 72 with which it isin engageanent,y

whereupon lthe spring 83 will rapidly torce the vslide jbar 73 towardthe rear of the niachine,causing both cranks 21 to execute cnchalt ot aconvolution, pulling the track 2,6

verticallydownwards. This causes the'pallet i 33 to lnissdownwardsthrough the tray 156, leaning the green'tile upon thetray `becauseoflthe engagement ci' the edges ot the tilel with the side bars 157 ofthe tray. The beam 33 now commences its reverse movement toward thefront 'ot the machine ;V andas this continues, it will engage the p-in87,` causing the slide bar 73 to move'toward the iront of the machine,turning the cranks 21 to initial position, and thusagain elevating theAtrack 26 and with it` the carriage 31 and Vpallet 33."

Itis to be understood that as the pallet 33 moves from receivingposition, thepusherplate is permitted to move up intovoperative positionbehind ythe severed 'end of the lgreen tile carried by the pallet 33,because ot the linger 263 moving awaytrom their respective pins 266,permitting thefspring 254 to move the pusher .plate L263 out `trom underthe pallet-33, andthe spring 252 to elevate the pusherV plate 263 sothatit will engage the vend o'f the plastic tile and prevent the tiles `beinT )ushed oilthe allet as the Ylower edees ot the tile are trimmed by thewires `241.

`As the beam '38 moves towardthe .rear of the machine,"the bell crank141 will be pivoted within its brackets 143 by the link 144I rais 'ingthe link 140. As the guide 147 carried .by

the link 146, moves upwards. on its guiderod 148, the roller 149 willengage the under side ot' the extension 99 ot the arm 96, vwhereupon theteeth 103 will be removed Jfrom the holes 104 in the flange 101 in whichthey areengaged, because the locking wheel 91 is held stationarybyengag'ement ot the teeth 111 of 'the locking finger .112 in anothergroup of holes 104.V Thus the arm96 is reset again,

tensioninfrthe spring 107 and permitting the teeth 103 to enter thenextgroup of holes 104.

Furthermore, the finger 134 of the arm 96, will again close the switch131, putting the circuit ot the solenoid'127 in condition to beagainlcompleted when another length of tile material has been depositedupon the .pallet As the cycle of vthe machine nears completion, thelibre block217 carried by the gear 52, will again engagethe contact 216to complete the circuit ofthe solenoidi'64, it being understoodofcourse, that the contacts 199 and 201 have previously come together'when the end of the tile carried by the pallet 33, cleared the switch193, Consequently, the pallet will be held' stationary until thenecessary length of ribbon isV again deposited upon the pallet 33,causing the switch con tacts 199 and 201 to again separate, and theswitch contacts 196 and 199 to engage, whereupon another `cycle will bestarted.

After the tile has been deposited upon the aligned tray 156 by thepallet 33, the framework 162 will be pulled toward the left, as viewedupon Fig. 2, by the bell crank 173 sliding all the trays 156 to push theloaded tray from alignment with the pallet 33, onto the plate'lSl. Then,upon a subsequent stroke of the carriage 31 toward the rear of themachine, the pusher plate 182 will eject the loaded tray from themachine onto any suitable conveyor. lt is to be understood that a bar276 supported rigidly by the frame 11, engages within notches in the bar159 of a tray 156 as it is moved into alignment, so that'tlie otherwiseunsupported forward end of the tray will be properly disposed'to permitthe pallet 33 and the green vtile carried thereby, to pass into the openend of the tray.

lt is to beunderstood that the details of the invention as hereindisclosed, are subject f to alteration within the spirit or scope of theappended claims.

I claim e 1. A tile machine comprising a pallet adapted to receive anend of a ribbon ofplastic tile forming material, means for severing apredetermined length of said material on said Vpallet from the ribbon, atray, means for moving said pallet to deposit said severed length ofmaterial thereon, and means for returning said pallet to receivingposition.

Y2. A tile machine comprising a pallet adapted to receive an end of aribbon of plastic tile forming material, means for severing apredetermined length of saidinaterial on said pallet from the ribbon, aplurality of tra-ys, inea-ns for inovingsaid pallet to deposit saidsevered length of material thereon, means for returning said pallet toreceiving position, and means for advancing said trays to place an emptytray in receiving position.

3. A tile machine comprising a pallet adapted toreceive an end of aribbon ofpplastic tile forming material, means for severing apredetermined length of said material on said pallet from the ribbon, aplurality of trays, means for moving said pallet to oeposit said severedlength of material thereon, means for returning said pallet to receivingposition, means for advancing saidftrays to place an empty tray inreceiving position, and means for successively ej ectingsaid trays aftereach has received a severed length of said material from said pallet.

e. A tile forming machine comprising a pallet adapted to receive an endof a continu cus ribbon Aof plastic tileforminf material and form saidmaterial to a tile o predetermined shape, meansif'or severing from saidV5. A tile formingmachine comprising a e pallet adapted to receive an endof a. continu` ons ribbon ofv plastic tile forming material and formsaid material to a tile of predetermined shape, means for severing fromsaid ribbon a length thereof required for a single tile, a plurality oftrays, each being open at one end, means for interinittently` advancingsaid trays to bring them successively into alignment with saidtpallet,means for moving said pallet lhorizontally over theV tray in alignmenttherewith, means for moving said A. pallet downwards through saidaligned trays to deposit said formed tile thereon, said form movingmeans being adapted to then return p the form to receiving position,said tray advancing mea-ns being synchronized with. said pallet movingmeans. v

6. il tile forming machine comprising a pallet adapted to receive an endlof a continuous ribbon of plastic tile forming material'v and form saidmaterial toa tile of predetermined sha-pe, means for severing from saidlribbon a length thereof required for a single tile, a plurality oftrays, each being open at one end, means for intermittently advancingsaid trays to bring them successively into alignment with said pallet,means for moving said pallet horizontally over the tray in alignmenttherewith, means for moving said pallet downwards through said alignedtrays to deposit said formed tile thereon, said form moving means beingadapted to then return the form to receiving position, said trayadvancing means being synchronized with said pallet moving means, andmeans for successively ejecting each of said trays after receiving a.tile. A

7. A tile forming machine comprising a pallet adapted to receive an endof a continuous ribbon of plastic tile forming material and form saidmaterial to a tile of predetermined shape, means forv severing fromsaidribbon a length thereof required for a single tile, a plurality oftrays, each being open at one end, means for intermittently advancingsaid trays to bring them successively int-o alignment with said pallet,means for moving said pallet horizontally over the tray in alignmenttherewith, means for moving said pallet downwards through said alignedtrays to dei posit said formed tile thereon, said form moving meansbeing adapted .to'then return the form to receiving position, said trayadvancing means being synchronized with said pallet moving means, andmeans for varyingV the stroke of said tray advancing means.V

8. In a tile forming machine a frame, a track mounted thereon forvertical movement, a tile forming pallet slidably mounted on said track,means for reciprocating said pallet on said track, and meansfor movingsaid track downwards when the pallet is adjacent one end of its strokeand upwards when the pallet is adjacent the other end of its stroke.

9. In a tile forming machine a frame, a track mounted thereon forvertical movement, a tile forming pallet slidably mounted on said track,means for reciprocating said pallet on said track, and means for movingsaid track rapidly downwardswhen the pallet is adjacent one end oi' itsstroke and upwards when the -pallet is adjacent the other end of yitsstroke. t

l0. Iny a tile forming machine akframe, a horizontal track mountedthereon for vertical movement, cranks journalled on said frame inalignment with saidtrack, a connecting rod pivoted to each-of saidcranks and to said track to support vthe latter, a pallet slidablymounted on said track, means or reciprocating said pallet upon thetrack, means for ro- .tating said cranks tolower the track when thepallet is adjacent one end of its stroke, and means for rotating saidcranks to raise the track when the pallet is adjacent the other end ofits stroke.

1l. In a tile forming machine a frame, a horizontal track mountedthereon for verti-` cal movement, cranks journalled on said frame inalignment with said track, a connecting rod pivoted to each of saidcranks and to said track to support the latter, a gear affixed to eachof said cranks, a rack slidably mounted on said frame and enmeshed withboth of said gears, a pallet slidably mounted on said track, means Jforreciprocating said pallet, and means operable by said reciprocatingmeans for moving the rack in one direction when the pallet is adjacentone end of its stroke and for moving the rack in the other directionwhen the pallet is adjacent the other end of its stroke.

12. In a tile forming machine a frame, a horizontal track mountedthereon for vertical movement, cranks journalled on said frame inalignment with said track, a connecting rod pivoted to each of saidcranks andvto said track to support the latter, a gear afixed to each ofsaid cranks, a rack slidably mounted on said frame and enmeshed withboth of said gears, a detent normally holding said rack againstmovement, a detent release carried by said rack, a spring interposedbetween said rack andv said release normally holding said release spacedfrom said detent, a pallet slidably mounted on Y said track, means forreciprocating said pallet, meansfcarried: by i said Vreciprocating meansengageableV with said release as the pallet approaches one end of itsstroke to tension said spring and move the release `toward 'the detent,said release being adapted to move the detent from rack holding positionwhen al predetermined'v on said pallet from the ribbon, means for ymoving said pallet y.to convey said severed length from severingposition, and means for holding saidpallet stationary while material isbeing deposited thereon.

14. In a tile forming machine, a pallet adapted toreceivexan end or' aribbon of plasytic. tile forming material, andl means Jfor severing apredetermined length of said mate# rial on said pallet irom the ribbon,said severing means comprising a wheel having a plurality of spokes andjou-rnalled for rotation in a plane extending transversely of saidpalletadjacent the Ifoi-ward end thereof, said ribbon of material beingadapted to pass onto said pallet betweenfadjacent spokes of said wheel,and means for rapidlyrotating said 'i wheel aftera predfetermined lengthof ribbon has been deposited on said pallet. y A

15.- In a tile forming -machine, a pallet adapted tov receive an endor',y a ribbonof plastic tile forming material, andmeans for severingI apredetermined length of said material on said pallet fromV ther1bbon,said severing means comprising a wheel havin-g a pluf rality ofspokesand journalledzfor, rotation in a plane extending transversely ofsaid palletV adjacent the .forward end thereof, said ribbon of materialbei-ng, adapted to pass onto said pallet between adjacent spokesfof saidwheel, any arm pivoted for rotary movement about an axis in alignmentwitli ,the aXis of said wheel, a spring interposed betweenv said arm anda -statienaryportionof said .inacliineurging said arm into rotarymovement, means tor 'connecting said wheelto said arm forrotarymovementtherewith i-n vone direction, and means for resetting said arm againstthe action of said spring, said connecting means being automaticallydisci-r' 'gageable as the arm moves backward and automaticallyengageable when the arm has completed itsy return movement. v

k16.Iii atile forming `machiiie, means i -risiii a wheel havin@ s okesand rotatabl mounted in position for Athe'end of said ribbon to passtherethrough between spokes thereof, an arm mounted for rotary movementadjacent said wheel, spring means urging said armto rotary movement, anda finger carried by said arm and engageable with -said wheel to turn thewheel with the arm when the arm is moved by its spring, meansV forresetting said arm, said finger being automatically disengageable as thearm reverses its direction of movement, and automatically re-engageableupon completion of the arms return movement.

adapted to'receive an end of a ribbon of plas-f tice rile formingmaterial, a switch positioned theieadj acent to be closed whenV apredeterminedV length of said ribbonhas been received upon said'pallet,and means for severing said length of ribbon from'the iemainder thereof,said severing means comprising a wheel having spokes and rotatablymounted in position for the end of said ribbon to pass therethroughbetweenspokes thereof, an arm mounted for rotary movement adjacent saidwheel, spring means urging said arm to rotary movement,'a finger carriedby said arm and engageable with said wheel to turn the wheel with thearm wlienthe arm is moved by its spring, means for resetting said arm,

said finger being automatically disengageable as the arm reverses itsdirection of movement, and automatically re-engageable upon comj pletionof thearms return movement, a locking finger normally holding saidywheel against rotary movement, and av solenoid operatively connected tosaid locking finger to effect withdrawal thereof when energized, saidlswitch being electrically connected to said solenoidto energize thesolenoid when i the switch is closed. j

18. In a tile forming machine, a pallet adaptedto receive an end of aribbon of plastic tile forming material, a switch positionedthereadjacent to be closed when a predetermined length of said ribbonhas been received upon said pallet, Vand means for severing said lengthof ribbon from the remainder thereof, said severing means comprising awheel having spokes and rotatably mounted in position for the end ofsaid ribbon to pass therethrough'between spokes thereof, an arm` mountedfor rotary movement adjacent said wheel, springmeans urging said armY torotary movement, a linger carried by said arm land engageable with saidwheel to turn the wheel with the arm when the arm is moved by itsspring, meansfor resettingsaid arm,

said finger being automatically disengageable as, the arm reverses itsdirection of movement',V vand lautomatically re-engageable terposed inthe solenoid circuit resiliently urged to circuit opening position, saidsecond switch being closed by said arm whenl the` arm is infullyretracted position.

19.v In a tile forming machine, a frame,

a carriagemovably mounted thereon, and an interchangeable palletremovably securable to said carriage-in position to receive an end ofaribbon of plastic tile forming material. 17. n a tile forming machine, apalletV Min a tile forming machine,"a frame, a carriage movably mountedthereon, a pallet removably securable to said carriage in BURT'R.siMMoNs.:

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